Two randomly selected students among all participants each won a $25 Amazon gift card. Their names and recommended books are highlighted below.
Francezka Muncal who recommended Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.
Summer Fernandez who recommended Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky.
"The only individual who can state if a book is worth a read is the individual reading it. Everyone gets different things out of a book. Personally, I find it to be an excellent cautionary tale of what happens when a representative government backslides into a police state." -- Daniel Ivanov, Student
"It really help me in my research work about Abraham Lincoln." -- Mardia Zakari, Student
"The book is a small collection of short stories with a lot of surrealist nature that I think every reader should check out. It's a quick read that I highly recommend." -- Ruben Chavez, Student
"This historical fiction with magical elements book involves found-family, finding oneself, politics of war, and standing up for what you believe in." -- Amanda Johns, Staff
"It gives an insight into the experiences lived when an entire city loses the sense of sight. Order is completely lost, and people go into survival mode." -- Carlos Leon Hernandez, Student
"Help you to have other a points of view about a reality of immigration in this country" -- Nemesis Cerezo, Student
"The Truth story of million people in the USA" -- Sediqullah Ebrahimi, Student
"This inspirational book gives insight on how legends are made. This book is about the author David Goggins and his hardships growing up and how he became a top of his class navy seal. This book dives head first into the cold arctic water and I would highly recommend it to students at UC" -- Anonymous
"I think this is a great coming of age novel that helps you recognize your power as a teen." -- Sophia Argenziano, Student
"It was really eye opening and inspiring. I learned so much from this book." -- Sakina Ali, Student
"It is a widely diverse book and talks about a family who flees Colombia on the Escobar-era. It's is informative and raises awareness without it being tedious, but extremely entertaining instead." -- Anghela Pinho, Student
"It's a true story and it's story is powerful." -- Karol Cabrera, Student
"It's a great book." -- Dianna Simms, Student
"It's the only book that I've ever sat down and read cover to cover in one sitting. It's an amazing book and it's genuine scares." -- Kate Budsock, Student
"James McBride's engaging novel revolves around the intertwined lives of Black, Jewish, and European immigrant residents living in a small town in Pennsylvania in 1972. This is a story of community, with a mystery running through it. McBride's characters are entertaining and unforgettable!" -- Catherine Avino, Staff
"I recommend this book to anyone thats going through a tough time period. This book can bring some light into your darkness with humor that will make you laugh until your stomach hurts." -- Kiarrah Bailey, Student
"I liked the film of the same title and was curious to read the book. It turned out to be a completely different story with only a few shared characters. I enjoyed the way Mr. Asimov was able to foresee the advancement of robotics and computers, and the moral and ethical dilemmas they bring forth." -- Nikolai Koriabine, Student
"Currently this is my favorite book. I loved this entire book. I loved the use of Shakespeare that was incorporated into the book. The friendships were so complex that really compelled me. The entire book I was trying to guess who did it and by the end I never expected it to be them!" -- Tiara Pittman, Student
"It is a amazing book to read and feel like everyone should read this to get an understanding of who Maya Angelou was." -- Tyett Phelps-Davis, Student
"It has a profound impact on science and opens up the understanding on just how a black woman, unbeknownest to her having cervical cancer, her cells would contributed to the medical industry in a profound way and today in 2023 her cells are currently being used to help save lives." -- Clara Allison, Student
"This book is the reason I chose to major in social services. It was such a good read and I honestly believe it changed my life, I always recommend it to others." -- Jostlen Espina, Student
"its more like a romantic novel." - Jocelyn Soria, Student
"It is based on the story of a Holocaust survivor and it is totally moving what this person had to go through." -- Marco Adrian Ponton, Student
"Very insightful and questions your views and focal points of your individual world and mindset." -- Vivianna Hodges, Student
"A novel about Nora Seed who had made choices and regrets and what it would be like to relive the events of choices she didn't make. I just started reading it and so far it's been very interesting." -- Tyra Rodriguez, Student
"A good way to reflect on influences and youth." -- Leonaldo Nina Mateo, Student
A classic motivational/self-help book to improve your life both currently and permanently." -- Kenneth Wheeler, Student
"The symbolism throughout the book is phenomenal. The underlying there are also so great and relate to human nature and roles for women back then." -- Caryn Albelo, Student
"The library employee helped me choose this book in order to improve my English, especially since the book was written in an easy language. I benefited a lot from reading this book, and I would like to read other books by the same author." -- Merieme Ahdach, Student
"About a former star in Hollywood raising an event and interviewed by a publisher. Unravels the truth behind the close doors of celebrity life and what we see in public isn't what is always seen. A facade she faced when she rose until she passed. Very interesting and realistic dialogue." -- Ashley Machado, Student
"This is a poetry book but it is a raw and honest representation of what healing, love, struggles of life and many other things we go through in our live look like." -- Marian Botero, Student
"As a kid I never had a interest in reading but when I read this book with a teacher I found a interest in reading books." -- Dionicio Rubio, Student
"This book is a nerve wrecking read that will leave you on the edge of your seat, while it immerses you in the dystopian reality of this world of distorted hypocrisy and stomach turning descriptions of how casually society created a new form of cattle and, what people will do for meat." -- Nataly Lesmes, Student
"It's a dystopian novel that seems relevant to today's time, critiques capitalism. It illustrates a society that has lost its humanity and empathy towards one another, and people just simply exist. In this story there are unspeakable acts occurring but people are willfully ignorant. It's worth it!!" -- Jessica Singh, Student
"I read this for an English class and ended up being very intrigued by the writing style. This book tackles the life of a Southern African-American woman and her struggles with self-identity and relationships." -- Francezka Muncal, Student
"It is a poignant book that deals with children growing up too fast by facing the harsh realities of un educated people living in a racially intolerant small town." -- Samantha Lester, Student
"This book was a great read about a girl growing up in the early 1900s and how she put her hope in her education to look past her impoverished circumstances. This was also my grandmother's favorite book, and I am so glad that I finally read it this year!" -- Marisa Carlucci, Staff
"The twist and turns will have you on the edge of your seat!" -- Anonymous
"This book gives a great interdisciplinary approach to learning the topic of 1930s painting. In order to understand the art of a certain time period, you need to understand the politics, culture, literature, entertainment, & sociopolitical norms of the time, which this book explains perfectly." -- Kelsey Gallagher, Staff
"It's very interesting." -- Edimary Reyes, Student
"It's a really excellent horror novel about an issue (Conversion therapy/Sexual Orientation Change Efforts) that has not been explored enough in fiction. Really excellent both as social commentary and horror." -- Rebecca Lee, Student
"It's an incredible book I think everyone should read at least one in their lives! It transports you to a different world full of magic and mystery!" -- Allison Owens, Student
"This book interestingly describes the history as well as the current issues that comes with the invention of cars. Me, like many other are dependent on cars. So it was shocking to learn about how they specifically contribute to many atrocities. This book reveals the bleak realities, and solutions." -- Laura Schubert, Student
"I am recommending this book because I love a good read that makes you sympathize for the characters. I had gained such an emotional attachment to both the main characters through the poetic style of writing Acevedo utilized. The story was also inspired by a real-life event." -- Christina Sabat, Student
"The Colour of Magic is part of Discworld, a series I've come to adore! The humor is unique, and the characters are wonderful. Sometimes reading can feel like overwhelming, especially if you haven't read in a while. But this book is great for both people who are starting to read again and regulars!" -- Anonymous
"I fell in love with the ACOTAR series as soon as i laid my eyes upon it. When I picked up the first book I was already hooked from the first page. I would sit and read the whole entire book in a day and move on to the next." -- Kayla Ayala Jefferson, Student
"This book and the whole series is amazing if you're a person who likes fantasy, fairy, or mystical creatures stories. It is not your average love story and the series definitely takes a turn. You have to read it!" -- Valerie Sanchez
"I was in a book slump for a couple months and decided to pick this book out of a 3 part series. So far the book has keep me interested and made me want to read it to the point I was waiting to be able to get my hands back on the book." -- Lindsay Harper, Student
"This book kept me captivated with its collection of 365 thought-provoking aphorisms, each offering daily inspiration and motivation throughout the year." -- Vitaliy Gotsko, Student
"- teaches you the importance of entering "flow state," or that sense of fluidity between your body and mind, where you are totally absorbed by and deeply focused on something, beyond the point of distraction. And it emphasizes how to take advantage of this state to produce your absolute best work." -- Christopher Darcelin, Student
"I read it when I was younger and has always stuck with me as one of those pretty good books and I think a wide range of people can actually get into the story." -- Martin Soto, Student
"This is a mysterious, but moving story about a guy that's losing weight, but his appearance isn't changing. Through his challenges, it brings a small town together helping everyone finding common ground despite strong differences.:" -- Deanna Muniz, Staff
"To share my favorite novel with other people." -- Destiny Fairley, Student
"This exciting fantasy adventure involves a young woman training to be a dragon rider at an elite but brutal war college. Each and every task given to Violet has pushed her to the breaking point but she survives and bonds with the biggest bad-ass dragon ever." -- Dana A Kelly-Salvatore, Student
"It is very interesting and entertaining.:" -- Yamileth Wazhima, Student
"I loved the way Evaristo wrote about the different 'women' identities & showed that womanhood can be whatever you're positive steps to be." -- Anonymous
"Girls Like Girls was a fun read, but the journey it takes you is very relatable from the perspective of a queer person.You're taken on a ride as you read and experience these unique characters experiencing coming out and being proud of who you are that is commonly shared in the lgbt+ community" -- Kiara Sandoval, Student
"Because it's interesting to read how friendship can change overtime and also what people are willing to do to please someone. It's really fun to read!" -- Janine Goschl, Student
"It's a horror book that I can definitely place up alongside the works of Edgar Allen Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. "Others might have thought it lonely, but I knew the refuge to be found in the company of only one's own mind." -- Ja'vail Lashley, Student
"Science Fiction story" -- Anonymous
"An unsettling horror book that, although focuses on young children for its plot, manages to sneak in mature aspects of life and interesting family dynamics. I couldn't stop reading and liked how the author made small, but smart, connections. I love the twist towards the end as well." -- Summer Fernandez, Student
"This book talks about the power to unleash your inborn drive, how we know there's a bigger life for us but fear and uncertainty keeps us locked in the same routine. And in this book you learn how to realize your life's potential and contribute the unique gift that only you can bring to the world." -- Jamile Sturgis, Student
"Great read, finished it in a day. It had me hooked from beginning to end." -- Anonymous
"Book deals with mental health issues, and how to cope with them while figuring yourself out through the process. It helped when I was going through depression, so maybe it'll help others." -- Alexis Fitz, Student
"A very good outline on how to take lead in real life situations and not underestimate your capabilities." -- Christian Solis, Student
"Elsie struggles financially with paying collage so then she works a fake girlfriend for this fake dating app. Later on, she fakes dates Greg for six months, he has a a brother who's arrogant name jack and he is the head department where Elsie works at." -- Yoselin Garcia, Student
"It ties you in completely into their love story." -- Esmeralda Erazo, Student
"It's a really good fall read." -- Desiree Schaal, Student
"It's an important story on remembering to stay true to yourself and love yourself. It's a romance/coming of age novel. Overall, it's a good read" -- Assata Shepard, Student
"It has a diverse group of characters with a lot of LGBTQIA+ characters. The book follows an Aromantic/Asexual protagonist as she comes to accept herself being outside the public perception of romance and sex, which is a point of view rarely represented and should be more prevalent in the public eye." -- Random Thorflyn, Student
"It's very useful in the daily life and heal your mind and body Mindfulness is the new treat like a new alternative about mental health." -- Claudio Ayala, Student
"A good read for when life isn't as unsettling and nerve-wracking as you'd like" -- Shiloh Gordillo, Student
"If you are struggling mentally and want to start healing then I recommend this book, helped me realize allot of things about myself and helped me find ways to try to fix the things that bothered me." -- Taneeja Princivil, Student
"This book is a really big wakeup call on how I was not living my life to it's fullest potential. I really questioned my life choices and made improvements due to the content in the book and the way it was presented was blunt and reminded me of previous coaches in my life who pushed me to be better." -- Leonardo Licciardello, Student
"This classic Japanese literature is a very unique and extremely self aware writing. The story is in touch with emotions but seems to also dive into the worlds problem from a first person perspective. I believe many students will relate to this book and understand themselves & others more." -- Jared Vitug, Student
"It deeply made me rethink the history and potential of Latin America as a whole. It made me look at each country mentioned deeply and was an overall 10/10 learning experience. It answered many questions i had concerning those countries." -- Anonymous
"This book is amazing a story told through eyes just like mine. Dealing with the struggles of relationships, trauma, self doubt, finding oneself, and of the dynamics of friendships. The author shows you a side of being a young black woman that we are all afraid to speak about." -- Cassandre Toussaint, Student
"How is liked Greek mythology in to have it in modern days and reading, nice action, fighting scenes, and how it gives you a bit of history and its own way. Seems very entertaining." -- Anonymous
"This continuation of my favorite series transported me back to when I first read the books in middle school. This series is what sparked my love for reading and taught me many key lessons. I feel like the main characters have grown up alongside me. This book brought me joy during a stressful time." -- Caitlin Garry, Student
"I love this book because it was gifted by an amazing close teacher I had in high school. This book reflects and relates to me because of the strong hispanic roots and culture that many young latino girls go through especially with their mothers. Perfect read!" -- Kamily Flores, Student
"Poetry and relatable!" -- Damaris Sanchez, Student
"A truly devastating Holocaust non-fiction account. Also a mystery with an ending I can't stop thinking about." -- Kate Ryan, Staff
"It's based in real events of Nazis circumstances. You will get involved with just some chapters." -- Jorge Mendoza, Student
"For people who love fantasy book or want to get into fantasy books. The book isn't too long for people that want to start reading. There are three more books in the series plus a bonus book." -- Comfort F. Adesina, Student
"Is a non fiction about the Cold War. Is blatantly and brutally honest about the US military command." -- Michael Birritteri, Student
"I am a student at Union College. I am following the psychology I would like to know more in psychology, become professor in the matter. That's right I am interesting with the psychology." -- Decereste Auguste, Student
"It's a fantastic dystopian novel! A future where you won't die from any diseases but instead you will be gleaned once your time has come. Two teen will have to battle against each other to be the next scythe and will learn the art of killing ITS VERY GOOD!! THE PLOT TWISTS WERE AMAZING!!!" -- Anonymous
"If your looking for something captivating, thrilling and truly well written look no further. Ramona's description transplants you to New Mexico's Navajo nation while discovering supernaturals and solving crime. A book that you won't want to put down!" -- Carley Ramos, Student
"This book was unlike any book I've ever read. Every character in the book was represented, and it reminded me that the world is so small, and everyone is connected in some way. This book rekindles your faith in fate, love, and humanity. It is an enchanting and uplifting read that will stay with you!" -- Jamie Stefanski, Student
"This is an inspiring book about how to succeed in life and also overcome life's obstacles. I would also recommend this book to any diehard Yankee fan. Paul had the world on a string. Those were domes of the best years the Yankees ever had aside from Babe Ruth's." -- Austin Arabatzis, Student
"if you are into romantic comedies and books that have a lot of tension and love twists, it'll be your perfect pick." -- Luciana Scariato, Student
"An important book on humans impact on the environment from a Pulitzer prize winning author" -- Karen Venturella, Faculty
"An enthralling real tale of adventure on land and sea in 1742. After a shipwreck, desperate bands of men try to survive. A vivid portrayal of raw human nature, not the staged circumstances of a TV show like 'Survivor'" -- Casey Williams, Faculty
"Dating is now common in society, even among those that are not matured enough both physically and mentally. Many of these relationships end up leaving people broken hearted. Reading this book will help the reader to properly prepare for going into a relationship and making it successful." -- Jolomi Uade, Student
"It captures everything that makes baseball great." -- Jerry Beal, Faculty